Florida teachers could soon be required to take an oath pledging allegiance to the United States and Florida constitutions under a proposal filed Monday by Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes.
The measure (HB 147), dubbed the “Teacher’s Oath Act,” would apply to all public school teachers and is modeled after oaths taken by lawyers, doctors, and public officials, according to a news release from Fabricio. The bill is slated for consideration during the legislative session beginning January 13.
If passed, teachers would have to take the following oath:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a classroom teacher in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a classroom teacher in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students, which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God.”
Fabricio, an attorney, said the oath would reinforce teachers’ commitment to civic values and professional ethics.
“When I became a member of The Florida Bar, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, protect my clients, and act with integrity. That oath wasn’t symbolic—it was a promise,” he said. “Teachers hold something even more precious than money in trust: They are trusted with molding our children.”
He added that more than 30 states, including California and New York, already require similar oaths.
“Our schools should be training young people to unapologetically love this country,” Fabricio said. “Florida’s teachers should lead by example, and that starts with a promise to defend the freedoms that make our nation great.”
